No. 5: The Trojans Must Stop John White IV and the Utah Rushing Game

Surprisingly, the Trojans most consistent unit so far in 2012 has been the defensive line.

Led by defensive tackle George Uko and stud end Morgan Breslin, the Trojans' D-line has been a pleasant surprise so far this year.

Against Utah and their 1,500-plus yard (2011) tailback John White IV, the Trojans must bottle up the Ute's running game because, frankly, Utah's passing portion of their offense is not going to instill fear in anyone.

White is a talented running back, but he has been struggling with injuries all season. However, his backup, former Trojan recruit Kelvin York, also has the ability to make USC pay if their containment falls short.

No. 4: Continue to Get Pressure on the Quarterback

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesGeorge Uko

As stated before, the Trojans defensive line has been a revelation so far in 2012.

If the Trojans can successfully bottle up Utah's running game as suggested in the prior slide, Breslin, Uko and company ought to pile up a bunch of sacks when the Utes attempt to turn to their woeful passing game.

No. 3: Matt Barkley Needs to Get Back to Being Matt Barkley

Although the 2012 version of Matt Barkley still has a long way to go to catch up to last year's model, there are good reasons for this.

A very suspect offensive line (more on that later) coupled with some questionable game planning (more on that later too) has put Barkley in an uncomfortable position far too many times this year.

Having said that though, there is something decidedly missing from this year's preseason Heisman Trophy favorite.

Whether it is dropped passes by his star receivers, which there have been a few of, or opposing defenses keying on a Trojan offense that has been missing a consistent running game, Barkley just hasn't been the quarterback that he was expected to be this year.

Against Utah, Barkley doesn't have to have a Heisman-worthy game but does need to embark on the road that finds him turning in game-changing performances.

No. 2: Lane Kiffin Needs to Find His Offensive Game Planning Mojo

This year's Trojan offense has far too many weapons to continue on their pedestrian path they have been on so far.

While some of the lack of production falls squarely on the shoulders of the players, Kiffin must accept responsibility also.

In possession of one of college football's finest offensive minds, Kiffin has been slow to react to both the inconsistency of his offense and the myriad of defensive schemes thrown at him by opposing defensive coordinators.

Also troubling for fans of the program, Kiffin has far too often been willing to point fingers at his players without looking in the mirror at the person who is ultimately responsible for putting them in winning situations.

Like so many other facets of the deficient Trojan offense, Kiffin is much too brilliant to let this continue.

Against Utah, he needs to find a game plan that brings USC from potential to production.

No. 1: The Offensive Line Must Find a Way to Return to Productivity

Speaking of finger pointing, a very large index finger must be aimed at the Trojans' offensive line.

Considered a strength going into 2012, coach James Cregg's unit has alternated between average and horrible, depending on the opponent.

Part of the problem has been an injury to center Khaled Holmes, who is the heart and soul of this group, but a disturbing fact that accompanies Holmes' ailment is that the rest of the O-line simply hasn't been very good.

With Holmes likely returning for the Utah game, this group needs to return to the form of 2011 which saw them opening gaping holes for the running game and leading the nation in keeping their quarterback, Matt Barkley, upright.